Cooper heads Brassed Off cast

Derby Theatre has announced that Quadrophenia star Garry Cooper is among the cast for its big production for the autumn, Brassed Off.

Adapted by Paul Allen, based on the screenplay by Mark Herman from the smash-hit film, it can be seen at Derby Theatre from Friday, September 18, until Saturday, October 10.

Garry Cooper will play the central role of Danny. Garry has numerous theatre credits to his name, including appearing in productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Royal Court, West Yorkshire Playhouse and the Old Vic. For TV, he has appeared in Midsomer Murders, Criminal Justice and Taggart. Garry also featured in the iconic 1970s film Quadrophenia.

Jimmy Fairhurst will play the role of Phil. Jimmy played Jud in Derby Theatre’s production of Kes in 2013 and he also appeared in Not Too Tame’s Early Doors, as part of the DEparture Lounge festival, at Derby Theatre last summer.

His other credits include appearing in productions for Cheek by Jowl and Theatre 503 plus Topsy & Tim and Doctors for the BBC.

Adam Horvath, the first recipient of The Brain Weaver Fellowship award, will play the role of Andy. Adam appeared in The Odyssey and A Christmas Carol at Derby Theatre, as part of his Fellowship year, and Brassed Off is his first professional engagement since it finished. Adam’s other credits include The Second Minute (Nottingham Playhouse and National Tour); Something Blue (New Perspectives); Broken Hearted, The Merchant of Venice (Derby LIVE); The Taming of the Shrew (Ashrow Theatre Company); Romeo and Juliet (1623 Theatre Company); and Price Tag (Red Earth Theatre).

Jake Waring, Adam Horvath’s Fellowship successor, will also appear in the production. Jo Mousley also returns, after appearing in Horrible Histories Horrible Christmas in December 2013. Jo’s credits

include Blood and Chocolate (York Theatre Royal/Slung Low); The No. 1 Tour of Corrie! (Phil McIntyre Ltd) and Road To Nab End (Oldham Coliseum) plus appearances in many other theatres across the UK. Her TV credits include Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Joining the professional cast of actors will be a group of talented young actors from the region, who will perform key roles in the production in three teams of three on a rotational basis. The young company includes Jess Waller (aged nine from Belper); Eva Waller (aged eight from Duffield); Joe Mothershaw (aged 14 from Belper) and Katie Hathaway (aged 10 from Smalley).

Completing the Brassed Off company will be Belper-based brass band Derwent Brass.

Members of the band will perform during each performance of the show’s run.

The band’s involvement, and professional performing skills, will be a thrilling and incredibly moving part of the production.

The band’s live playing will complement the acting and this much-loved play beautifully, the combination of which will surely go down a treat with audiences.

It’s 1992 and the miners are striking as the local colliery faces closure. Danny’s dreams of leading the pit’s brass band to victory at a national competition at the Albert Hall seem remote as the men choose between picket lines and redundancy packages.

But when flugelhorn-playing Gloria returns to her home town the band get their oompah back and romance is rekindled with her childhood sweetheart Andy.

However, when the real reason for Gloria’s return is revealed and the pressures of the strike get too much for the band members, things start to go out of tune...

Brassed Off is a much-loved tale, full of heart and humour, which balances grit, wit and a poignant look at recent history, and is made in Derby by the team who brought you Kes, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and Solace of the Road.

Call the box office at the venue for ticket information on 01332 593939.